The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

First published, December 1990

Second Reprint with Amendments 1101 and 1102 bound with the document, September 1999
Third Reprint, May 2001

This publication is available from:

Government Publications Centre
Ground Floor, Low Block,
Queensway Government Offices,
66 Queensway
Hong Kong

Price

$ 25.00

CS1 : 1990

FOREWORD
This Standard has been prepared to replace the various parts and editions of BS1881 hitherto used,
which are not entirely suitable for Hong Kong conditions. It provides methods for sampling and
testing concrete and it covers the procedures to be adopted both on site and in the laboratory.
The contents of the Standard are based primarily on the following British Standards, with
modifications to suit local conditions and practices:
BS 1881 : Part 1 to 6 :1970
BS 1881 : Part 101 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 102 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 103 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 104 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 106 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 107 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 108 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 109 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 110 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 111 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 114 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 115 : 1986
BS 1881 : Part 116 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 117 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 118 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 120 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 121 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 124 : 1983
BS 1881 : Part 125 : 1986
The Standard comprises two volumes. Volume 1 generally covers site operations, including methods
of sampling fresh concrete, testing of fresh concrete and making and curing test specimens. Volume
2 is intended to be used by laboratory staff and covers sampling of fresh concrete in the laboratory,
methods of determining the physical properties of hardened concrete and the sampling and chemical
analysis of hardened concrete. This division of the contents is purely for convenience and has no
other implications.
The permission of the British Standards Institution to reproduce and modify its publications is
gratefully acknowledged.
Any comments on the contents of this Standard should be addressed to the Chairman, Standing
Committee on Concrete Technology, Works Branch, Hong Kong Government.

CS1 : 1990

DRAFTING COMMITTEE
The preparation of this Standard was undertaken by a sub-committee of the Hong Kong Government,
Works Branch, Standing Committee on Concrete Technology. The organisations represented on the
sub-committee and the names of the persons who contributed to the drafting of the Standard are listed
below:

Works Branch
Civil Engineering Services Department

Buildings and Lands Department

Highways Department

Housing Department

The Concrete Producers Association of Hong Kong Ltd

Hong Kong Association of Certification Laboratories Ltd
Hong Kong Construction Association Ltd
Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

R H Pilling
T K Cheung
C J Chivers
P W C Leung
K C Sin
W L Tse
E K C Pang
P J Osborne
T K Lee
W F Ho
K T Li
S M Wong
G Waterton
J V Schembri
S C Yeung
H W Pang
T T Kam
S Y Cheung
P R Jones
P E Halstead
A P Jeary
D S C Chiu
D T Riley
H Y Lam
K Francis

(Chairman)
(Secretary)

CS1 : 1990

CONTENTS
Page

VOLUME 1
Title Page
Foreword
Drafting Committee
Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
General Notes
Section 1
Sampling fresh concrete on site
Section 2
Determination of slump
Section 3
Determination of compacting factor
Section 4
Determination of Vebe time
Section 5
Determination of density of compacted fresh concrete
Section 6
Determination of air content of fresh concrete
Section 7
Making test cubes from fresh concrete
Section 8
Making test beams from fresh concrete
Section 9
Making test cylinders from fresh concrete
Section 10
Curing test specimens
Appendix A
Apparatus
Appendix B
Calibration tests

1
3
4
5
6
7
8
11
13
15
17
20
22
24
26
28
30
33
45

VOLUME 2
Title Page
Foreword
Drafting Committee
Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
General Notes
Section 11
Mixing and sampling fresh concrete in the laboratory
Section 12
Determination of compressive strength of concrete cubes
Section 13
Determination of tensile splitting strength
Section 14
Determination of flexural strength
Section 15
Obtaining core samples and determination of the compressive
strength of concrete cores
Section 16
Determination of density of hardened concrete
Section 17
Determination of static modulus of elasticity in compression
Section 18
Not used
Section 19
Not used
Section 20
Not used
Section 21
Chemical analysis of hardened concrete
Appendix C
Apparatus
Appendix D
Verification of performance of compression testing machine

1
3
4
5
6
7
8
11
14
17
19
22
27
30

33
59
73

CS1 : 1990

LIST OF TABLES
Table

Page
VOLUME 1

1
2
3

Quantities of concrete required

Essential dimensions of the compacting factor apparatus
Dimensions of container

11
37
38

VOLUME 2
4
5
6

Classification of the extent of voids

Typical analyses of types of cement currently available in HK
Vapour pressure of water at temperatures between 20C and 30C

23
47
55

CS1 : 1990

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure

Page
VOLUME 1

1
2
3
4
5

Forms of slump
Consistometer
Compacting factor apparatus
Consistometer
Air content apparatus

14
18
36
39
41

VOLUME 2
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

Failure patterns of cubes

Loading arrangement of flexural strength test
Photomicrographs of OPC and PFA concrete
Photomicrographs of OPC and SRPC Cement/Concrete
Cube checking jig
Jig for tensile splitting strength test
Typical stirrup arrangements for the determination of the volume of
concrete by water displacement
Apparatus for the determination of water content
Apparatus for the determination of carbon dioxide (Method 1)
Apparatus for the determination of carbon dioxide (Method 2)
Gauging of proving device
Positioning of proving device on auxiliary platen

16
21
57
58
64
65
67
69
70
71
76
77

CS1 : 1990

GENERAL NOTES

The following notes are relevant, where applicable, to all the sections of this Standard.
1.

Reports

(a)

It is a mandatory requirement for all reports to contain the name and signature of the person
responsible for the sampling or the test. The person responsible for the test is not
necessarily the same as the person actually carrying out the test. For HOKLAS accredited
laboratories the person responsible should be an authorised signatory.

(b)

The person responsible for the test must ensure that all the information listed for the
inclusion in a Report is fully and accurately stated. However, some of the information
listed for inclusion in a Report may not be known to the person responsible for the test. In
such a case the words `not known' should be entered in the Report.

(c)

If any test is performed on a specimen which does not fully comply with this Standard (e.g.
a cube which has not been cured in accordance with Section 10) or if the test itself does not
fully conform to the requirements of this Standard, the test result, although it may have
some indicative value, will be invalid and this must be stated in the Report.

2.

Apparatus

In general the lists of required apparatus in the Standard do not include standard items of
equipment and consumables which are normally found in a well equipped testing facility.

3.

Tolerances

The tolerances stated in various sections of this Standard shall be interpreted as follows:
(a)

Flatness.
The surface specified as having a flatness tolerance shall lie between two
parallel planes. The perpendicular distance between the planes is the flatness tolerance
quoted.

(b)

Squareness. Where a surface is specified as having a squareness tolerance relative to

another surface, it shall lie between two parallel planes perpendicular to the reference
surface. The perpendicular distance between the planes is the squareness tolerance quoted.
Where a surface is specified as having a squareness tolerance relative to a datum line (e.g.
the axis of a cylinder), it shall lie between parallel planes perpendicular to the datum line.
The perpendicular distance between the two planes shall be the squareness tolerance quoted.

(c)

Parallelism. Where is a surface is specified as having a parallelism tolerance relative to

another surface, it shall lie between two planes parallel to the reference surface. The
perpendicular distance between the planes shall be the parallelism tolerance quoted.

CS1 : 1990

(d)

4.

Cylindricity. Where a surface is specified as having a cylindricity tolerance, the surface

shall lie between two coaxial cylindrical surfaces. The radial distance between the two
coaxial surfaces shall be the cylindricity tolerance quoted.

Singular and plural

Words importing the singular only also include the plural and vice versa where the content
requires.

CS1 : 1990

SECTION 1
SAMPLING FRESH CONCRETE ON SITE

1.1

1.3

SCOPE

The following apparatus is required:

This Section describes the methods to be used on

site for obtaining and preparing representative
samples from a batch of fresh concrete for testing
and making specimens in accordance with the
following Sections of this Standard:
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
Section 9

APPARATUS

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

Determination of slump
Determination of compacting factor
Determination of Vebe time
Determination
of
density
of
compacted fresh concrete
Determination of air content of fresh
concrete
Making test cubes from fresh concrete
Making test beams from fresh
concrete
Making test cylinders from fresh
concrete

Sample container
Sample tray
Scoop
Square-mouthed shovel.

(see C1. A1).

(see C1. A2).
(see C1. A3).

Further details of the apparatus are given in

Appendix A.

1.4

SAMPLING PROCEDURE

1.4.1

General

The volume of concrete required for the test or to

make the specimen shall be determined by
reference to Table 1. The sample container and
scoop shall be clean before sampling.

Testing or making specimens shall commence as

soon as possible after the preparation of the
sample.

Table 1 - Quantities of Concrete Required

1.2

DEFINITIONS

Test or specimen

Batch is the quantity of concrete mixed in one

cycle of operations of a batch mixer, or the
quantity of concrete conveyed ready-mixed in a
vehicle, or the quantity discharged during 1 minute
from a continuous mixer or the quantity mixed by
hand in one cycle of operations.

Min. volume
Required (litres)

Slump
Compacting factor
Vebe time
Air content
Density
100mm cube (per pair of cubes)
150mm cube (per pair of cubes)
150mm x 150mm x 750mm beam
(per pair of beams)

Sample is a quantity of concrete taken from the

batch whose properties are to be determined.
Grade of Concrete is a means of describing a
particular quality of concrete, usually in terms of
its specified compressive strength, nominal
maximum size of aggregate and any other
distinguishing features such as workability.

150mm x 300mm long cylinder

(per pair of cylinders)

11

8
12
8
8
12
4
8
38
12

CS1 : 1990

1.5

1.4.2 Sampling from a mixer or ready-mixed

vehicle

The sample shall be emptied from the container

onto the sample tray. No more than a light
covering of slurry should be left adhering to the
container. The sample shall be thoroughly mixed
on the sample tray with the square-mouthed
shovel.

The first 0.3 m3 and the last 0.3 m3 of the batch

discharged from the mixer or ready-mixed vehicle
shall be disregarded. The sample shall consist of
three approximately equal increments taken after
about 1/6, 1/2 and 5/6 of the discharge of the
remainder of the batch. When sampling for the
determination of slump, however, the sample may
be obtained from the initial discharge. After
allowing a discharge of approximately 0.3 m3, a
sample shall be collected from the moving stream
in a sample container.

1.6

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

Sampling from a heap

(g)

The sample shall be made up of at least six

approximately equal increments taken throughout
the depth and over the surface of the heap.
1.4.4

REPORT

The report shall affirm that sampling was carried

out in accordance with this Standard and shall
include the following:

When sampling from a falling stream, increments

shall be obtained by passing a scoop through the
whole width and thickness of the stream in a single
operation. Alternatively, the entire stream may
be diverted so that it discharges into the container.
Regulation of the rate of discharge to permit
sampling shall not be by suppressing or diverting a
part of the discharge stream.
1.4.3

PREPARING THE SAMPLE FOR TEST

(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)

Protection of samples

At all stages of sampling, transport and handling,

the fresh concrete samples shall be protected
against gaining or losing water and against extreme
temperatures.

Name of works.
Date of sampling.
Name of supplier and source of concrete.
Delivery note number or other means of
identifying the batch.
Grade of concrete.
Time of adding water to the mix, as recorded
in the delivery note if ready-mixed.
Location in the works where the batch will
be placed.
Time of sampling.
Ambient temperature and weather conditions.
Place and method of sampling e.g. at
discharge from truck or from a heap.
Name and signature of person responsible
for sampling.

NOTE. This Sampling Report may conveniently

be included as part of the reports required in
Sections 2 to 9 of this Standard.

12

CS1 : 1990

SECTION 2
DETERMINATION OF SLUMP

2.1

strike the surface below. For subsequent layers,

the tamping rod shall just pass into the layer
immediately below. The concrete shall be heaped
above the slump cone before the top layer is
tamped. If necessary, further concrete shall be
added to maintain an excess above the top of the
slump cone throughout the tamping operation.

SCOPE

This Section describes the method of determining

the slump of concrete, made with aggregate
having a nominal maximum size not exceeding
40 mm.

2.2

After the top layer has been tamped, the concrete

shall be levelled to the top of the slump cone by a
sawing and rolling motion of the tamping rod.
With the slump cone still being held down, any
concrete which has fallen onto the slump cone or
leaked from the lower edge of the slump cone shall
be removed.

APPARATUS

The following apparatus is required:

(a) Sample tray
(b) Scoop
(c) Slump cone
(d) Tamping rod
(e) Rule
(f) Square-mouthed shovel.

(see Cl. A2).

(see Cl. A3).
(see Cl. A4).
(see Cl. A5).
(see Cl. A6).

The slump cone shall then be removed by raising it

vertically, slowly and carefully, in five to ten
seconds, in such a manner as to impart minimum
lateral or torsional movement to the concrete.
The entire operation from the start of filling to the
removal of the slump cone shall be completed
within 150 seconds.

Further details of the apparatus are given in

Appendix A.

2.3

Immediately after the slump cone is removed, the

slump shall be measured to the nearest 5 mm by
determining the difference between the height of
the slump cone and the highest point of the
specimen being tested.

SAMPLING

The sample of fresh concrete shall be contained in

accordance with the procedure given in Section 1
of this Standard.

2.4

NOTE. The workability of concrete changes with

time due to the hydration of the cement and,
possibly, loss of moisture. Tests on different
samples should therefore be carried out at a
constant time interval after mixing if strictly
comparable results are to be obtained.

PROCEDURE

The internal surface of the slump cone shall be

clean and damp but free from superfluous moisture
before commencing the test. The slump cone
shall be placed on a smooth, horizontal, rigid and
non-absorbent surface free from vibration and
shock.

2.5

The slump cone shall be held firmly against the

surface below. It shall be filled in three layers of
approximately equal depth and each layer shall be
tamped uniformly to its full depth with 25 strokes
of the tamping rod. During the tamping of the
first layer, the tamping rod shall not forcibly

EXPRESSION OF RESULTS

The test is only valid if it yields a true slump, this

being a slump in which the concrete remains
substantially intact and symmetrical as shown in
Figure 1(a). If the specimen shears, as shown in
Figure 1(b), or collapses, as shown in Figure 1(c),
another sample shall be taken and the procedure
13

CS1 : 1990

repeated. The slump shall be recorded to the

nearest 5 mm.

accordance with this Standard and shall include the

following:

NOTE.
Concrete with high workability, i.e.
slump in excess of 150 mm, may sometimes exhibit
a slump pattern similar to that of a collapse slump.
In such cases, the slump shall be measured and
recorded to the nearest 5 mm.

(a)
(b)

2.6

(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)

REPORT

The report shall affirm that the test was made in

14

Samplin g Report.
Place of test if different from place of
sampling.
Time of completion of test.
Specified range of slump.
Form of slump, whether true, shear or
collapse.
Measured slump.
Name and signature of person responsible
for carrying out the test.

CS1 : 1990

SECTION 3
DETERMINATION OF COMPACTING FACTOR

3.1

lower hopper. Immediately after the concrete has

come to rest, the floats shall be removed from the
top of the cylinder and the trap door of the lower
hopper shall then be opened to allow the concrete
to fall into the cylinder.

SCOPE

This Section describes the method of

determining the compacting factor of plain and
air-entrained concrete made with aggregate
having a nominal maximum size not exceeding
40 mm.
3.2

Certain mixes have a tendency to stick in one or

both of the hoppers. If this occurs, the concrete
shall be dislodged by pushing the tamping rod
gently into the concrete from the top until the
lower end emerges from the bottom of the hopper.
If this does not dislodge the concrete, the rod shall
be raised and the process repeated until the
concrete falls through the hopper.

APPARATUS

The following apparatus is required:

(a) Sample tray
(b) Scoop
(c) Tamping rod
(d) Compacting factor apparatus
(e) Two steel floats
(f) Compacting bar
(g) Vibrating hammer or table
(h) Weighing equipment Type 1
(i) Square-mouthed shovel.

(see Cl. A2 ).
(see Cl. A3 ).
(see Cl. A5 ).
(see Cl. A7 ).
(see Cl. A8 ).
(see Cl. A9 ).
(see Cl. A10).
(see Cl. A11).

Excess concrete shall be removed by holding a

float in each hand with the plane of the blades
horizontal, and moving them simultaneously one
from each side across the top of the cylinder and
at the same time keeping them pressed on the top
edge of the cylinder. The outside of the cylinder
shall be wiped clean.
The cylinder and its contents shall be weighed
and the mass of the partially compacted concrete
calculated and recorded to the nearest 10 g. The
measurement shall be made within 150 seconds of
commencing the test.

Further details of the apparatus are given in

Appendix A.

3.3

PROCEDURE

3.3.1

General

The cylinder shall be emptied and refilled with

concrete from the same sample in such a way as
to remove as much entrapped air as possible
without significantly reducing the amount of
entrained air (if present) and to produce full
compaction of the concrete with neither excessive
segregation nor laitance. For this purpose, the
concrete shall be placed in six approximately
equal layers in the cylinder. Each layer shall be
compacted either by using the compacting bar or
by vibrating. After the top layer has been
compacted, it shall be levelled to the top of the
cylinder with a steel float. The outside of the
cylinder shall be wiped clean.

The internal surfaces of the hoppers and cylinder

shall be smooth, clean and damp but free from
superfluous moisture.
The frame shall be
placed in a stable position free from vibration or
shock.
The axes of the hoppers and the
cylinder shall all lie on the same vertical line.
The two trap doors shall be closed and the top of
the cylinder covered by the two floats.
The sample of concrete shall be gently placed in
the upper hopper until the hopper is filled to the
level of the rim. The upper tray door shall then
be opened to allow the concrete to fall into the

The cylinder and its contents shall be weighed

15

CS1 : 1990

and the mass of the fully-compacted concrete

calculated and recorded to the nearest 10 g.

16

3.3.2

CS1 : 1990
3.3
CALCULATION AND EXPRESSION
OF RESULTS

Compacting with compacting bar

During the compaction of each layer with the

compacting bar, the strokes shall be distributed
uniformly over the surface of the concrete and
each layer shall be compacted to its full depth.

The compacting factor shall be calculated from

the equation:
mp
compacting factor =

During the compacting of the first layer, the

compacting bar shall not forcibly strike the base
of the cylinder. For subsequent layers, the
compacting bar shall just pass into the layer
immediately below. The number of strokes per
layer required to produce full compaction will
depend upon the consistency of the concrete but
in no case shall the concrete be subjected to
fewer than 30 strokes per layer.

(3 - 1)
mf

where
mp

is the mass of the partially-compacted

concrete

mf

is the mass of the fully compacted concrete

The results shall be expressed to two decimal

places.
3.3.3 Compacting with vibrating hammer or
table
During the compaction of each layer by means
of the vibrating hammer or table, the applied
vibration shall be of the minimum duration
necessary to achieve full compaction of the
concrete. Vibration shall cease as soon as the
surface of the concrete becomes relatively
smooth and air bubbles no longer appear.

3.5

REPORT

The report shall affirm that the compacting factor

was determined in accordance with this Standard
and shall include the following:
(a)
(b)

NOTE.
Workability of a concrete changes
with time owing to the hydration of the cement
and possibly loss of moisture.
Tests on
different samples should therefore be carried out
at a constant time interval after mixing if strictly
comparable results are to be obtained.

(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

17

Sampling Report.
Place of test if different from place of
sampling.
Time of completion of test.
Specified range of compacting factor.
Measured compacting factor.
Name and signature of person responsible
for carrying out the test.

CS1 : 1990

SECTION 4
DETERMINATION OF VEBE TIME

4.1

surface of the concrete. During the tamping of the

first layer, the tamping rod shall not forcibly
strike the base of the container. For subsequent
layers, the tamping rod shall just pass into the
layer immediately below. The concrete shall be
heaped above the cone before the top layer is
tamped. If necessary, more concrete shall be
added to maintain an excess above the top of the
cone throughout the tamping operation. After
the top layer has been tamped, the screw (E) shall
be loosened and the funnel raised and swung
through 90 and the screw (E) shall be retightened. The concrete shall be levelled to the
top of the cone by a sawing and rolling motion of
the tamping rod. While the concrete is being
struck off, the cone shall not be allowed to rise
nor any concrete allowed to fall into the
container.

SCOPE

This Section describes the method of

determining the Vebe time of concrete of very
low to low workability. The method applies to
plain and air-entrained concrete made with
aggregate having a nominal maximum size not
exceeding 40 mm.

4.2

APPARATUS

The following apparatus is required:

(a) Sample tray
(b) Scoop
(c) Tamping rod
(d) Consistometer (Figure 2)
(e) Stop-watch or stop-clock
(f) Square-mouthed shovel.

(see Cl. A2 ).
(see Cl. A3 ).
(see Cl. A5 ).
(see Cl. A14).
(see Cl. A15).

The cone shall be removed from the concrete by

raising it vertically slowly and carefully, in five
to ten seconds, in such a manner as to impose
minimum lateral or torsional movement to the
concrete. After the cone has been removed, the
screw (E) shall be loosened and the transparent
disc swung over the container. The screw (E)
shall be tightened and the disc lowered to touch
the highest point of the slumped concrete.

Further details of the apparatus are given in

Appendix A.

4.3

PROCEDURE

If the concrete shears as shown in Figure 1(b),

collapses as shown in Figure 1(c), or slumps to
the extent that it touches the wall of the container,
the disc shall be allowed to rest upon the
subsided concrete with the screw (C) loose. If the
concrete does not slump into contact with the
wall of the container and a true slump as shown
in Figure 1(a) is obtained, the screw (C) shall be
tightened when the disc just touches the highest
point of the concrete without disturbing it. The
slump from the scale shall be read and the screw
(C) loosened to allow the disc to rest upon the
concrete.

The vibrating table of the consistometer (Figure

2) shall be placed on a rigid, horizontal surface
free from external vibration or shock. The
container shall be clean and clamped to the table
by means of two wing-nuts (D). The inner
surface of the cone shall be clean and damp but
free from superfluous moisture. The cone shall
be placed concentrically in the container and the
funnel shall be lowered onto the cone. The
screw (E) shall be tightened so that the cone is
held in contact with the base of the container.
The cone shall be filled with concrete in three
layers, each approximately one-third of the
height of the cone when tamped. Each layer shall
be tamped to its full depth with 25 strokes of the
tamping rod, distributed uniformly over the

The vibration and the stop-watch shall start

simultaneously. The remoulding of the concrete
shall be observed through the transparent disc.
18

CS1 : 1990
procedure shall be completed within a period of
five minutes from the commencement of filling
the cone.

The watch shall be stopped immediately the

lower surface of the disc is completely coated
with cement grout and the time recorded. The

19

CS1 : 1990

20

CS1 : 1990
4.5

NOTE. The workability of a concrete changes

with time due to hydration of the cement and
possibly loss of moisture. Tests on different
samples should therefore be carried out at a
constant time interval after mixing if strictly
comparable results are to be obtained.

The report shall affirm that the Vebe time was

determined in accordance with this Standard and
shall include the following:
(a)
(b)

4.4

REPORT

(c)
(d)

EXPRESSION OF RESULTS

The Vebe time indicated by the stop-watch shall be

recorded to the nearest second.

(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)

21

Sampling Report.
Place of test if different from place of
sampling.
Time of completion of test.
Form of slump, whether true, shear or
collapse, or into contact with wall of the
container.
Measured slump.
Specified Vebe time, if any.
Vebe time.
Name and signature of person responsible
for carrying out the test.

CS1 : 1990

SECTION 5
DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF COMPACTED FRESH CONCRETE

5.1

and air bubbles no longer appear. After the top

layer has been compacted, it shall be levelled to
the top of the container. The surface shall be
skimmed with the straightedge and the outside of
the container cleaned. The container and its
content shall be weighed to the nearest 10 g.
The mass of the fully compacted concrete shall
be calculated by subtracting the mass of the
empty container and recorded to the nearest 10 g.

SCOPE

This Section describes the methods of determining

the compacted density, the volume per batch and
the cement content per cubic metre of fresh
concrete. The methods apply to plain and airentrained concrete, made with aggregate having a
nominal maximum size not exceeding 40 mm.

5.2

5.4 CALCULATION AND EXPRESSION

OF RESULTS

APPARATUS

The following apparatus is required:

5.4.1 Calculation of density
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

Sample tray
Scoop
Steel float
Vibrating hammer of table
Weighing equipment Type 1
Container for the determination
of density of fresh concrete
(g) Steel straightedge
(h) Square-mouthed shovel.

(see Cl. A2 ).
(see Cl. A3 ).
(see Cl. A8 ).
(see Cl. A10).
(see Cl. A11).

The density D (in kg/m 3) shall be calculated from

the following equation:
m
V
where
m

Further details of the apparatus are given in

Appendix A. The method of calibrating the
container is described in Appendix B.

5.3

(5 - 1)

D =

(see Cl. A16).

(see Cl. A17).

is the mass of the concrete sample in the

container (in kg)
is the volumetric capacity of the container (in
m3)

The result shall be expressed to the nearest

10kg/m 3.

PROCEDURE

The container shall be filled with concrete in such

a way as to remove as much entrapped air as
possible without significantly reducing the amount
of entrained air (if present), and to produce full
compaction of the concrete with neither excessive
segregation nor laitance. For this purpose, the
concrete shall be placed in the container in six
approximately equal layers and each layer shall be
vibrated by the vibrating hammer or table. The
applied vibration shall be of the minimum duration
necessary to achieve full compaction of the
concrete. Vibration shall cease as soon as the
surface of the concrete becomes relatively smooth

5.4.2 Calculation of volume of concrete per

batch
If the volume of concrete produced per batch Vb
(in m3) is required, it shall be calculated from the
following equation based on the measured
masses:
mc + ms + ma + mw + mp + mx
D

22

(5 - 2)

CS1 : 1990
where

5.5

ma

The report shall affirm that the density, the

calculated volume of concrete and the calculated
cement content were determined in accordance
with this Standard. The report shall include the
following:

mc
ms
mw
mp
mx
D

is the mass per batch of coarse aggregate

in condition used (in kg)
is the mass per batch of cement (in kg)
is the mass per batch of fine aggregate in
condition used (in kg)
is the mass of mixing water added to batch
(in kg)
is the mass of PFA if used (in kg)
is the mass of admixture used (in kg)
is the density of fully-compacted fresh
concrete (in kg/m 3)

(a) Sampling Report.

(b) Workability of the concrete, if measured.
(c) Specified density, if any.
(d) Density of compacted sample.
(e) Calculated volume of concrete per batch, if
required.
(f) Calculated cement content of the concrete, if
required.
(g) Name and signature of person responsible
for carrying out the test.

The result shall be recorded to an accuracy of

1%.
5.4.3

Calculation of cement content

If the cement content C (in kg/m 3) of the fresh

concrete is required, it shall be calculated from
the equation:
mc
(5 - 3)

C=

REPORT

Vb
The result shall be expressed to the nearest
5kg/m 3.

23

CS1 : 1990

SECTION 6
DETERMINATION OF AIR CONTENT OF FRESH CONCRETE

6.1

6.5

SCOPE

6.5.1 Placing of concrete

This Section describes the method of determining

the air content of compacted fresh concrete, made
with normal weight aggregate having a nominal
maximum size not exceeding 40 mm.
The
method does not apply to aerated concrete, very
stiff concrete which cannot be compacted by
vibration alone or to concrete made with aggregate
of high porosity.

The sample of concrete to be tested shall be

placed in the container in such a way as to
remove as much entrapped air as possible
without significantly reducing the amount of
entrained air (if present), and to produce full
compaction of the concrete with neither
excessive segregation nor laitance.
The
concrete shall be placed in the container in three
approximately equal layers. Each layer shall be
compacted either by using the compacting bar or
by vibrating. If the concrete has a slump
greater than about 75 mm, the concrete should
not be vibrated.

6.2 TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT AT

SAMPLING
The temperature at the centre of the sample shall
be measured immediately after sampling.

6.3

The quantity of material used in the final layer

shall be just sufficient to fill the container
without having to remove excess material. If
necessary, a small quantity of additional concrete
may be added and further compacted in order to
just fill the container.

APPARATUS

The following apparatus is required:

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)

Compacting bar
Vibrating hammer or table
Weighing equipment Type 2
Weighing equipment Type 3
Air content apparatus
Mallet
Thermometer

(see Cl. A9 ).
(see Cl. A10).
(see Cl. A12).
(see Cl. A13).
(see Cl. A18).
(see Cl. A19).
(see Cl. A20).

6.5.2

Compacting with compacting bar

During the compaction of each layer with the

compacting bar, the strokes shall be distributed
in a uniform manner over the surface of the
concrete and each layer shall be tamped to its full
depth.

Further details of the apparatus are given in

Appendix A.

6.4

PROCEDURE

During the compaction of the first layer, the

compacting bar shall not forcibly strike the base
of the container. For subsequent layers, the
compacting bar shall just pass into the layer
immediately below. The number of strokes per
layer required to produce full compaction will
depend upon the consistency of the concrete but
in no case shall the concrete be subjected to
fewer than 25 strokes per layer.

CALIBRATION OF APPARATUS

Details of the following calibration tests are given

in Appendix B:
(a) Capacity of the calibration cylinder.
(b) Capacity of the container.
(c) Pressure expansion constant, e.
(d) Calibration constant, K.
(e) Required operating pressure.
(f) Alternative operating pressure.
(g) Aggregate correction factor.

In order to remove pockets of entrapped air but

not the entrained air, after compaction of each
layer the sides of the container shall be tapped
lightly with the mallet until air bubbles cease to
appear on the surface and depressions left by the
compacting bar are removed.
24

CS1 : 1990
as the apparent air content. If h4-h2 is greater
than 0.1% air content, it is probable that leakage
is occurring, and the test shall be disregarded.

6.5.3 Compacting with vibrating hammer or

table
During the compaction of each layer by means of
the vibrating hammer or table, vibration of the
minimum duration necessary to achieve full
compaction of the concrete should be used.
Vibration shall cease as soon as the surface of the
concrete becomes relatively smooth and air
bubbles no longer appear.
6.5.4

6.6 CALCULATION AND EXPRESSION

OF RESULTS
The air content of the concrete in the container,
Ac, shall be calculated from the equation:
Ac = A1 - G

Applying pressure (Figure 5)

(6 - 1)

where

The flanges of the container and the cover

assembly shall be thoroughly wiped clean. The
deflecting plate shall be placed centrally on the
concrete and pressed into contact with it. The
cover assembly shall be clamped in place, care
being taken to ensure a good pressure seal
between the cover and the container.
The
apparatus shall be filled with water and tapped
lightly with the mallet to remove air adhering to
the interior surfaces of the cover. By opening
the air vent and bleeding through the small valve,
the water level shall be brought to zero. The air
vent shall then be closed and the operating
pressure P applied by means of the air pump.

A1 is the apparent air content of the sample

G is the aggregate correction factor
The air content shall be expressed as a
percentage to the nearest 0.1%.

6.7

REPORT

The report shall affirm that the air content was

determined in accordance with this Standard and
shall include the following:

The reading on the gauge tube h1 shall be

recorded and the pressure released. The gauge
tube shall be ready again and if the reading h2
indicates 0.2% air content or less, the
value h1-h2
shall be recorded as the apparent air
content A1 to the nearest 0.1% air content. If h2
is greater than 0.2% air content the operating
pressure P shall be applied again to give a gauge
tube reading h3 and a final reading h4 after the
release of the pressure. If h4-h2 is 0.1% air
content or less, the value h3-h4 shall be recorded

(a) Sampling Report.

(b) Temperature of the concrete at the time of
sampling.
(c) Density of the concrete, if known.
(d) Workability of the concrete, if measured.
(e) Specified air content, if any.
(f) Measured air content of sample tested.
(g) Name and signature of person responsible
for carrying out the test.

25

CS1 : 1990

SECTION 7
MAKING TEST CUBES FROM FRESH CONCRETE

7.1

shall be compacted either by using the

compacting bar or by vibrating. After the top
layer has been compacted, it shall be levelled to
the top of the mould with a steel float, and the
outside of the mould shall be wiped clean. The
mould shall not be overfilled.

SCOPE

This Section describes the method of making test

cubes from fresh concrete. The method applies
to plain and air-entrained concrete but does not
apply to aerated concrete or very stiff concrete
which cannot be compacted by vibration alone.

7.3.2

Cubes of 100 mm size are not suitable for

concrete having a nominal maximum aggregate
size exceeding 20 mm. Cubes of 150 mm size
are not suitable for concrete having a nominal
maximum aggregate size exceeding 40 mm.

7.2

During the compaction of each layer with the

compacting bar, the strokes shall be distributed
in a uniform manner over the surface of the
concrete and each layer shall be compacted to its
full depth. During the compaction of the first
layer, the compacting bar shall not forcibly strike
the bottom of the mould. For subsequent layers,
the compacting bar shall just pass into the layer
immediately below. The minimum number of
strokes per layer required to produce full
compaction will depend upon the workability of
the concrete but in no case shall the concrete be
subjected to less than 35 strokes per layer for
150 mm cubes or 25 strokes per layer for 100
mm cubes, except in the case of very high
workability concrete.

APPARATUS

The following apparatus is required:

(a) Sample tray
(b) Scoop
(c) Steel float
(d) Compacting bar
(e) Vibrating hammer or table
(f) Mould for making test cube
(g) Square-mouthed shovel.

(see Cl. A2 ).
(see Cl. A3 ).
(see Cl. A8 ).
(see Cl. A9 ).
(see Cl. A10).
(see Cl. A21).

Further details of the apparatus are given in

Appendix A.

7.3

Compacting with compacting bar

7.3.3 Compacting with vibrating hammer or

table
During the compaction of each layer by means
of the vibrating hammer, the mould shall
preferably be placed on a level piece of timber.
The concrete shall be vibrated by holding the
foot of the hammer against a piece of timber
placed over but not completely covering the top
of the mould.

PROCEDURE

7.3.1 Filling the mould

The mould shall be placed on a rigid horizontal
surface or on the vibrating table and filled with
concrete in such a way as to remove as much
entrapped air as possible without significantly
reducing the amount of entrained air (if present)
and to produce full compaction of the concrete
with neither excessive segregation nor laitance.
The concrete shall be placed in the mould in
layers approximately 50 mm deep and each layer

The applied vibration by either the vibrating

hammer or table shall be of the minimum
duration necessary to achieve full compaction of
the concrete. Vibration shall cease as soon as
the surface of the concrete becomes relatively
smooth and air bubbles cease to appear.
26

CS1 : 1990
7.4

7.5

TOLERANCES

REPORT

The report shall affirm that the cube was made

in accordance with this Standard and shall
include the following:

The cube shall be accurate within the following

tolerances:
(a) Dimensions. The dimensional tolerance of
the cube shall be 1 mm on its sides and 2
mm on its height.

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

(b) Squareness. The squareness tolerance of

the moulded sides of the cube relative to
adjacent moulded sides shall be 1% of its
nominal dimension.

Sampling Report.
Workability of the concrete, if measured.
Identification number of each cube.
Time at which the cube was completed.
Age at which cube is to be tested.
Name and signature of person responsible
for making cube.

NOTE. The Report on curing for the period

the cube is on site may conveniently be added to
this Report.

(c) Parallelism. The parallelism tolerance for

the trowelled surface of the cube with
respect to the bottom surface shall be 2 mm.

27

CS1 : 1990

SECTION 8
MAKING TEST BEAMS FROM FRESH CONCRETE

8.1

relatively smooth and air bubbles cease to appear.

After the top layer has been compacted, it shall be
levelled to the top of the mould with a steel float,
and the outside of the mould shall be wiped clean.
The mould shall not be overfilled.

SCOPE

This Section describes the method of making

150 mm x 150 mm x 750 mm long test beams
from fresh concrete. The method applies to
plain and air-entrained concrete made with
aggregate having a nominal maximum size not
exceeding 40 mm, but does not apply to aerated
concrete or very stiff concrete which cannot be
fully compacted by vibration alone.

8.4

TOLERANCES

The beam shall be accurate within the following

tolerances:
8.2

(a) Dimensions. The dimensional tolerance of

the beam shall be 1 mm on its sides and 2
mm on its height.

APPARATUS

The following apparatus is required:

(a) Sample tray
(b) Scoop
(c) Steel float
(d) Vibrating hammer or table
(e) Mould for making test beam
(f) Square-mouthed shovel.

(b) Squareness. The squareness tolerance of

the side faces of the beam relative to adjacent
moulded surfaces shall be 1.5 mm.

(see Cl. A2 ).
(see Cl. A3 ).
(see Cl. A8 ).
(see Cl. A10).
(see Cl. A22).

(c) Parallelism. The parallelism tolerance for

the opposite moulded faces of the beam shall
be 2.0 mm.

Further details of the apparatus are given in

Appendix A.
8.5
8.3

REPORT

The report shall affirm that the beam was made in

accordance with this Standard and shall include
the following:

PROCEDURE

The mould shall be placed on a rigid horizontal

surface or on the vibrating table and filled with
concrete in such a way as to remove as much
entrapped air as possible without significantly
reducing the amount of entrained air (if present)
and to produce full compaction of the concrete
with neither excessive segregation nor laitance.
The concrete shall be placed in the mould in
layers approximately 50 mm deep and each layer
shall be vibrated by the vibrating hammer or
table. The applied vibration shall be of the
minimum duration necessary to achieve full
compaction of the concrete. Vibration shall cease
as soon as the surface of the concrete becomes

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)

Sampling Report.
Specified flexural strength, if any.
Workability of the concrete, if measured.
Identification number of each beam.
Time at which the beam was completed.
Age at which the beam is to be tested.
Name and signature of person responsible for
making the beam.

NOTE. The Report on curing for the period the

test beam is on site may conveniently be added to
this Report.
28

CS1 : 1990

SECTION 9
MAKING TEST CYLINDERS FROM FRESH CONCRETE

9.1

mould shall be wiped clean. The mould shall not

be overfilled.

SCOPE

This Section describes the method of making

150 mm diameter x 300 mm long cylinders from
fresh concrete. The method applies to plain and
air-entrained concrete made with aggregate having
a nominal maximum size not exceeding 40 mm,
but does not apply to aerated concrete or very stiff
concrete which cannot be fully compacted by
vibration alone.

9.2

9.3.2

During the compaction of each layer with the

compacting bar, the strokes shall be distributed in
a uniform manner over the surface of the concrete
and each layer shall be compacted to its full depth.
During the compaction of the first layer, the
compacting bar shall not forcibly strike the bottom
of the mould.
For subsequent layers, the
compacting bar shall just pass into the layer
immediately below. The number of strokes per
layer required to produce full compaction will
depend upon the workability of the concrete but in
no case shall the concrete be subject to less than
30 strokes per layer, except in the case of very
high workability concrete.

APPARATUS

The following apparatus is required :

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

Sample tray
Scoop
Steel float
Compacting bar
Vibrating hammer or table
Mould for making test
cylinder
(g) Square-mouthed shovel.

(see Cl. A2 ).
(see Cl. A3 ).
(see Cl. A8 ).
(see Cl. A9 ).
(see Cl. A10).

9.3.3 Compacting with vibrating hammer or

table

(see Cl. A23).

During the compaction of each layer by means of

the vibrating hammer or table, the applied
vibration shall be of the minimum duration
necessary to achieve full compaction of the
concrete. Vibration shall cease as soon as the
surface of the concrete becomes relatively smooth
and air bubbles cease to appear.

Further details of the apparatus are given in

Appendix A.

9.3

Compacting with compacting bar

PROCEDURE

9.3.1 Filling the mould

The mould shall be placed on a rigid horizontal
surface or on the vibrating table and filled with
concrete in such a way as to remove as much
entrapped air as possible without significantly
reducing the amount of entrained air (if present)
and to produce full compaction of the concrete
with neither excessive segregation nor laitance.
The concrete shall be placed in the mould in
layers approximately 50 mm deep and each layer
shall be compacted either by using the compacting
bar or by vibrating. After the top layer has been
compacted, it shall be levelled to the top of the
mould with a steel float, and the outside of the

9.4
METHOD OF PREPARATION OF
UPPER SURFACE OF CYLINDER
For the tensile splitting strength test, the upper
surface of the cylinder shall be levelled to the top
of the mould with a steel float.
For the static modulus of elasticity test, the
concrete shall be allowed to harden and the upper
surface shall be ground or capped in accordance
with Section 17 of this Standard.
30

CS1 : 1990
9.5

9.6

TOLERANCES

REPORT

The report shall affirm that the cylinder was made

in accordance with this Standard and shall include
the following:

The cylinder shall be accurate within the

following tolerances:
(a) Dimensions. The dimensional tolerance of
the cylinder shall be 2 mm on its length and
1 mm on its diameter.

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)

(b) Squareness. The squareness tolerance for

the moulded end of the cylinder relative to the
axis of the cylinder shall be 2 mm.
(c) Cylindricity. The cylindricity tolerance for
the cylinder shall be 2 mm.

Sampling Report.
Specified tensile splitting strength, if any.
Workability of the concrete, if measured.
Identification number of each cylinder.
Time at which the cylinder was completed.
Age at which the cylinder is to be tested.
Type of test required.
Name and signature of person responsible for
making the cylinder.

NOTE. The Report on curing for the period the

cylinder is on site may conveniently be added to
this Report.

29

CS1 : 1990

SECTION 10
CURING TEST SPECIMENS

10.1

stored in the conditions described in Cl. 10.3.1.

SCOPE

This Section describes the method of curing

concrete specimens (cubes, beams, cylinders
and cores) for tests at ages of 1 day and over.

After being demoulded, each specimen shall be

marked clearly and indelibly with an
identification number or code. Unless required
for test at 24 hours, the specimen shall be placed
immediately in the curing tank or mist room.

10.2

The curing temperature of the specimen shall be

maintained at 27 3C. If curing is in a mist
room, the relative humidity shall be maintained
at no less than 95%. All surfaces of the
specimen shall look moist and feel moist at all
times.
Curing shall continue as long as
possible up to the time of testing.

APPARATUS

The following apparatus is required:

(a) Thermometer
(b) Curing tank
(c) Mist room

(see Cl. A20).

(see Cl. A24).
(see Cl. A25).

Further details of the apparatus are given in

Appendix A.

10.3

10.3.3

When a specimen is to be transported, it shall be

carried in such a way that physical damage is
prevented, loss of moisture is minimized and
temperature extremes are avoided. This can be
achieved by using a special box having
compartments lined with wet felt or other
suitable material. Each box shall be sealed or
enclosed in plastic sheet.

PROCEDURE

10.3.1 Curing prior to demoulding

Immediately after it is made, the specimen shall
be stored in a place free from vibration and in
conditions which will prevent the loss of
moisture and avoid extremes of temperature.
The specimen shall be stored either :

Alternatively, the specimen may be packed in

damp sand or in wet sack and enclosed in a
plastic bag. The transported specimen shall be
stored in the curing tank or mist room for not
less than 24 hours before testing. The transfer
of a specimen may take place at any time after
demoulding but not less than 24 hours before
the time of testing and it shall be effected in as
short a time as is practicable.

(a) away from direct sunlight, under damp

matting or other suitable damp material and
wrapped completely with polythene, or
(b) in a mist room.

10.3.2

Transportation of specimen

Curing after demoulding

10.3.4 Stacking of specimens during curing

A specimen to be tested at 24 hours shall be

demoulded just before testing. A specimen to be
tested at a greater age shall be demoulded within
16 hours to 28 hours after mixing. If the concrete
has not achieved sufficient strength to enable the
specimen to be demoulded, demoulding shall be
delayed for a further 24 hours. During this
further period, the specimen shall continue to be

In order to provide adequate circulation of water,

adequate space shall be provided between the
specimens and between the specimens and the
side of the curing tank. Curing in water shall
continue for as long as possible up to the time of
testing. If curing is in a mist room, there shall be
30

CS1 : 1990
10.5

sufficient space between specimens to ensure

that all surfaces of the specimens look and feel
moist at all times.

REPORT

The report shall affirm that the specimen was

cured in accordance with this Standard and shall
include the following:
(a) Identification number of each specimen.
(b) Location of storage prior to demoulding.
(c) Method of curing after demoulding (water
or mist room curing).
(d) Date of removal from curing if different
from date of testing.
(e) Name and signature of person responsible
for curing.

10.4 AGE OF TEST SPECIMEN

Tests shall be carried out within the following
tolerances on the ages for testing:
(a) 30 minutes for ages up to and including
30 hours
(b) 2 hours for ages above 30 hours and up to
and including 4 days
(c) 8 hours for ages above 4 days and up to
and including 60 days
(d) 1 day for ages above 60 days.

NOTE.
Two reports may be needed if the
specimen has been cured both on site and in the
laboratory. The Report for the period on site
may conveniently be added to the Reports
required in Sections 7 to 9 of this Standard. The
Report for the period in the laboratory may
conveniently be added to the Reports required
in Sections 12 to 17 of this Standard.

The ages shall be calculated from the time of

adding water to the mix.

31

CS1 : 1990

APPENDIX A
APPARATUS

33

CS1 : 1990

CONTENTS

Clause

Reference

Al
A2

Sample container
Sample tray

35

A3

Scoop

A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
A10
A11
A12
A13
A14
A15
A16

Slump cone
Tamping rod
Rule
Compacting factor apparatus
Steel float
Compacting bar
Vibrating hammer or table
Weighing equipment Type 1
Weighing equipment Type 2
Weighing equipment Type 3
Consistometer
Stop-watch or stop-clock
Container for the determination of
density of fresh concrete
Steel straightedge
Air content apparatus
Mallet
Thermometer
Mould for making test cube
Mould for making test beam
Mould for making test cylinder
Curing tank
Mist room

Cl. 1.3
Cl. 1.3, 2.2, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 7.2, 8.2,
9.2
Cl. 1.3, 2.2, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 7.2, 8.2,
9.2
Cl. 2.2
Cl. 2.2, 3.2, 4.2
Cl. 2.2
Cl. 3.2
Cl. 3.2, 5.2, 7.2, 8.2, 9.2
Cl. 3.2, 6.3, 7.2, 9.2
Cl. 3.2, 5.2, 6.3, 7.2, 8.2, 9.2
Cl. 3.2, 5.2
Cl. 6.3
Cl. 6.3
Cl. 4.2
Cl. 4.2
Cl. 5.2
Cl. 5.2
Cl. 6.3
Cl. 6.3
Cl. 6.3, 10.2
Cl. 7.2
Cl. 8.2
Cl. 9.2
Cl. 10.2
Cl. 10.2

38
38
40
42
42
42
43
43
44
44

A17
A18
A19
A20
A21
A22
A23
A24
A25

34

Page

35
35
35
35
35
35
35
35
37
37
37
37
38
38

CS1 : 1990
APPENDIX A - APPARATUS
A1

hemispherical.

Sample container

The sample container shall be a bucket or other

suitable container made of plastic or metal, of
minimum eight litres capacity.
A2

A6

The rule shall be graduated from 0

mm to 300 mm at 5 mm maximum intervals, the
zero point being at one end of the rule.

Sample tray

The sample tray shall be 1.2m x 1.2m in area,

made of metal and have sufficient capacity to
contain the concrete sample. It shall have sides
to prevent the loss of water or cement paste.
A3

A7

Scoop
The hopper and cylinder shall be of rigid
construction made of metal not readily attacked by
cement paste. The interior surfaces shall be
smooth and free from projections such as
protruding rivets and shall be free from dents. The
rims of the cylinder shall be machined to a plane
surface at right angles to its axis. The lower ends
of the hoppers shall have tightly fitting hinged trap
doors made of rigid non-corrodible metal plate, 3
mm thick. The doors shall have quick release
catches which allow them to swing rapidly to a
position at which they are caught by retaining
catches which hold them clear of concrete falling
through the bottom of the hopper.

Slump cone

The slump cone shall be made of metal not readily

attacked by cement paste and not thinner than
1.5 mm. The interior of the slump cone shall be
smooth and free from projections such as
protruding rivets and shall be free from dents. The
slump cone shall be in the form of a hollow
frustum of a cone having the following internal
dimensions:
diameter of base:
diameter of top:
height:

The frame on which the hoppers and cylinder are

mounted shall be of rigid construction and shall
firmly locate them in the relative positions
indicated in Table 2. The cylinder shall be
easily detachable from the frame.

200 2 mm
100 2 mm
300 2 mm

A8

The base and the top shall be open and parallel to

each other and at right angles to the axis of the
cone. The slump cone shall be provided with
two handles at two-thirds of the height, and with
foot pieces to enable it to be held steady.

Steel float

The steel float shall be at least 200 mm long

plasterer's steel float.
A9

A5

Compacting factor apparatus

The apparatus shall consist of two conical

hoppers mounted above a cylinder; its essential
dimensions are shown in Table 2 and Figure 3.

The scoop shall be made of metal of a size

suitable for sampling concrete. The scoop shall
not allow water to escape from concrete contained
in it.
A4

Rule

Compacting bar

Tamping rod
The compacting bar shall be a 380 mm long steel
bar weighing 1.8 kg and having a ramming face
25 mm square.

The tamping rod shall be a 16 mm diameter

straight steel bar, 600 mm long with both ends

35

CS1 : 1990

36

CS1 : 1990
Table 2

Essential Dimensions of the Compacting Factor Apparatus

Detail

Dimension
mm

Upper hopper A:
Top internal diameter, D
Bottom internal diameter, E
Internal height, F

260 2
130 2
280 2

Lower hopper B:
Top internal diameter, G
Bottom internal diameter, H
Internal height, J

240 2
130 2
240 2

Distance between bottom of

upper hopper A and top of
lower hopper B, K

200 5

Distance between bottom of

lower hopper B and top of
cylinder C, L

200 5

Cylinder C:
Internal diameter, M
Internal height, N
Radius between wall and base, P

150 1
285 1
20

A10 Vibrating hammer or table

A12 Weighing equipment Type 2

The vibrating hammer or table shall be suitable

for compacting concrete in the manner specified.

The equipment shall be capable of weighing up

to 20 kg to an accuracy of 5g or better.

A11 Weighing equipment Type 1

A13 Weighing equipment Type 3

The equipment shall be capable of weighing up

to 50 kg to an accuracy of 10g or better.

The equipment shall be capable of weighing up

to 1 kg to an accuracy of 0.5 g or better.

37

CS1 : 1990
A14 Consistometer

The vibrating table (F) shall be 380 mm long and

260 mm wide and shall be supported on four
rubber shock absorbers. A vibrator unit, carried
on a base resting on three rubber feet, shall be
securely fixed beneath it. The vibrator shall
operate at a frequency of 50 Hz and the vertical
amplitude of the table, with the empty container
clamped to it, shall be approximately 0.35 mm
about the mean position.

The consistometer shall comprise a container, a

cone, a transparent disc and a vibrating table;
the consistometer and its essential dimensions
are shown in Figure 4.
The container shall be made of metal not
readily attacked by cement paste. It shall be
of cylindrical shape, the thickness of the wall
being 3 mm and of the base being 7.5 mm. The
container shall have an internal diameter of
2405 mm and a height of 200 mm and shall be
watertight and of sufficient rigidity to retain its
shape under rough usage. It shall be fitted
with handles and with brackets, the latter
enabling it to be clamped to the top of the
vibrating table (F) by wing-nuts (D).

A15 Stop-watch or stop-clock

The stop-watch or stop-clock shall be accurate to
0.5 second.

The cone shall be rigid and made of metal not

readily attacked by cement paste and not
thinner than 1.5 mm. The interior of the cone
shall be smooth and free from projections such
as protruding rivets and shall be free from dents.
The cone shall be hollow and have the
following internal dimensions:
diameter of base:
diameter of top:
height

A16 Container for the determination of density

of fresh concrete
The container shall be a rigid watertight
cylindrical container conforming to the
dimensions specified in Table 3. The container
shall be made of metal not readily attacked by
cement paste and shall be provided with handles.
The internal face shall be smooth and the rim
machined to a plane surface. The rim and base
shall be at right angles to the axis of the container.

200 2 mm
100 2 mm
300 2 mm

The base and top shall be open and parallel to

each other and at right angles to the axis of the
cone. The cone shall be provided with two
handles about 250 mm from the base.

Table 3 - Dimensions of Container

The transparent disc (A) shall be horizontal and

attached to the end of a rod which slides
vertically through a guide sleeve mounted on a
swivel arm. The guide sleeve shall be fitted
with a screw (C) to enable the rod to be fixed in
position. The swivel arm also carries a funnel,
the bottom of which locates on the top of the
cone when this is positioned concentrically in
the container. The swivel arm is located by a
holder and can be fixed in position by a set
screw (E). When in the appropriate positions,
the axes of the rod and of the funnel shall be
coincident with the axis of the container. The
transparent disc shall be 230 2 mm in
diameter and 10 2 mm thick. A weight (B)
shall be located directly above the disc such
that the moving assembly, comprising rod, disc
and weight, shall weigh 2750 50 g.

Nominal capacity
Inside diameter
Inside height
Minimum thickness
of metal
Radius between wall
and base

(Litre)
(mm)
(mm)

10
2001.5
3201.5

(mm)

(mm)

20

A17 Steel straightedge

The straightedge shall be at least 300 mm long.

The rod shall be provided with a scale to enable

the slump of the concrete to be recorded.
38

CS1 : 1990

39

CS1 : 1990
A18 Air content apparatus

A18.5 Cover assembly

The apparatus is shown diagrammatically in

Figure 5.

The cover assembly shall be a flanged rigid

conical cover fitted with a standpipe. The cover
shall be of steel or other hard metal not readily
attacked by cement paste and shall have interior
surfaces inclined at not less than 10 from the
surface of the flange. The outer rim and lower
surface of the flange and the sloping interior face
shall be machined to a smooth finish. The cover
shall have provision for being clamped to the
container to make a pressure seal without
entrapping air at the joint between the flanges of
the cover and the container.

A18.1 Air pump

The air pump shall be a hand pressure pump, such
as a bicycle tyre pump, with a lead to facilitate
connection to the non-return air inlet valve on the
cover assembly.

The standpipe shall consist of a graduated glass

tube of uniform bore, or a metal tube of uniform
bore with a glass gauge attached. The graduated
scale shall indicate air content from 0% to at least
8% and preferably 10%. The scale shall be
graduated with divisions every 0.1% air content,
the divisions being not less than 2 mm apart. A
scale in which 25 mm represents 1 % of air
content is convenient.

A18.2 Calibration cylinder

The calibration cylinder shall be a hollow cylinder
made of brass or other strong non-corrodible
metal, having a capacity of approximately 0.3
litres. The rim of the cylinder shall be machined
to a smooth plane surface at right angles to the
axis of the cylinder.

The cover shall be fitted with a suitable device for

venting the air chamber, a non-return air inlet
valve and a small valve for bleeding off water.
The applied pressure shall be indicated by a
pressure gauge connected to the air chamber
above the water column. The gauge shall be
graduated with divisions every 5 kN/m2, the
divisions being not less than 2 mm apart. The
gauge shall read up to 200 kN/m 2.

A18.3 Container
The container shall be a flanged cylindrical vessel
of steel or other hard metal, not readily attacked
by cement paste, having a nominal capacity of at
least five litres and a ratio of diameter to height of
not less than 0.75 nor more than 1.25. The outer
rim and upper surface of the flange and the
interior surfaces of the vessel shall be machined
to a smooth finish. The container shall be
watertight. Together with the cover assembly it
shall be suitable for an operating pressure of
approximately 100kN/m2 and be sufficiently rigid
to limit the pressure expansion constant e (see
Appendix B), to not more than 0.1% air content.

A18.6 Deflecting plate or tube

The deflecting plate shall be a thin non-corrodible
disc of not less than 100 mm diameter which will
minimize disturbance of the concrete when water
is added to the apparatus. Alternatively a brass
tube of appropriate diameter, which may be an
integral part of the cover assembly or provided
separately, can be used. The tube shall be
constructed so that when water is added to the
container it is sprayed onto the walls of the cover
in such a manner as to flow down the sides
causing minimum disturbance to the concrete.

A18.4 Container with spout

This shall be a container having a capacity of two
litres to five litres, fitted with a spout.

40

CS1 : 1990

41

CS1 : 1990
coated with oil or grease to prevent loss of water.
The parts of the mould when assembled shall be
positively located and rigidly held together in
such a manner as to prevent leakage from the
mould. The internal faces of the assembled
mould shall be thinly coated with release agent
to prevent adhesion of the concrete.

A18.7 Support
The support for the calibration cylinder shall be
made of non-corrodible material and shall allow
free flow of water into and out of the cylinder in
the inverted position.

A18.8

The sides of the mould shall be clearly marked

with a reference number or code to enable each
concrete specimen to be identified when it is
demoulded and the mould to be correctly
reassembled.

Spring

The spring shall be a non-corrodible coil spring

or equivalent for retaining the calibration
cylinder in place.
A18.9

A21.2

Transparent plates

Tolerances

The use of a mould manufactured to the

following tolerances will, if it is correctly
assembled and handled with reasonable care,
enable consistent production of cubes complying
with the dimensional tolerances specified in
Section 7 of the Standard.

Two rigid transparent plates are required, one

suitable for use as a closure for the calibration
cylinder and one as a closure for the container.

A19 Mallet
(a)
This shall be a soft-faced mallet with a mass of
approximately 250g.

Dimensions. The depth of the mould and

the distance between the two pairs of
opposite internal side faces, each based on
the average of four symmetrically placed
measurements, shall be the nominal size of
100 0.15 mm or 150 0.15 mm.

A20 Thermometer
(b) Flatness. The flatness tolerance for each
internal side face shall be 0.03 mm. That
for the joint faces, for the bottom surface of
the assembled mould sides and for the top
surface of the base plate shall be 0.06 mm.

The thermometer shall be suitable for measuring

temperature within the intended range to an
accuracy of 0.5C. The thermometer for the
mist room shall in addition be suitable for
measuring the maximum and minimum air
temperatures.

(c) Squareness. The squareness tolerance for

each internal side face with respect to the
bottom surface of the mould and the
adjacent internal side faces as datum faces
shall be 0.5 mm.

A21 Mould for making test cubes

(d) Parallelism. The parallelism tolerance for

the top surface of the mould with respect to
the bottom surface of the mould as datum
face shall be 1 mm.

A21.1 Construction and assembly

The sides of the mould shall be of ferrous metal,
preferably cast steel. The mould shall include a
removable steel base plate at least 10 mm thick.
All parts of the mould shall be robust enough to
prevent distortion. Before assembly for use, the
joints between the sides of the mould and
between them and the base plate shall be thinly

(e) Surface texture. The surface texture of each

internal side face shall not exceed 3.2 m Ra ,
when determined in accordance with BS1134.

42

CS1 : 1990
A22 Mould for making test beams
(d) Parallelism. The parallelism tolerance
for the top surface of the mould with
respect to the bottom surface of the mould
as datum face, and for one internal side
face with respect to the other internal side
face as datum face, shall be 1 mm.

A22.1 Construction and assembly

The sides and ends of the mould shall be of
ferrous metal, preferably cast steel. The mould
shall include a removable steel base plate at least
10 mm thick. All parts of the mould shall be
robust enough to prevent distortion. Before
assembly for use, the joints between the sides
and ends of the mould and between them and the
base plate shall be thinly coated with oil or
grease to prevent loss of water. The parts of the
mould when assembled shall be positively
located and rigidly held together in such a
manner as to prevent leakage from the mould.
The internal faces of the assembled mould shall
be thinly coated with release agent to prevent
adhesion of the concrete.

(e)

A23

Mould for making test cylinders

A23.1 Construction and assembly

The steel mould shall comprise a cylindrical
former and a base plate. The cylindrical
former shall be capable of being split
longitudinally to facilitate removal of the
cylinder. All parts of the mould shall be
robust enough to prevent distortion. Before
assembly for use, the joints between the two
sections of the cylindrical former and between
them and the base plate shall be thinly coated
with oil or grease to prevent loss of water.
When the mould is assembled, the sections of
the cylindrical former shall be positively
located and the whole assembly including the
base plate rigidly held together in such a
manner as to prevent leakage from the mould.
The internal faces of the assembled mould shall
be thinly coated with release agent to prevent
adhesion of the concrete.

The sides and ends of the mould shall be clearly

marked with a reference number or code to
enable each concrete specimen to be identified
when it is demoulded and the mould to be
correctly reassembled.

A22.2

Surface texture. The surface texture of

each internal face shall not exceed 3.2 m Ra ,
when determined in accordance with BS1134.

Tolerances

The use of a mould manufactured to the

following tolerances will, if it is correctly
assembled and handled with reasonable care,
enable consistent production of beams
complying with the dimensional tolerances
specified in Section 8 of this Standard.
(a) Dimensions. The depth and internal width
of the mould, each based on the average of
six measurements symmetrically placed
along the axis of the mould, shall be the
nominal size of 150 0.15 mm.

The sections of the cylindrical former shall be

clearly marked with a reference number or code
to enable each cylinder to be identified when it
is demoulded and the mould to be correctly
reassembled.

(b) Flatness. The flatness tolerance for each

internal side face shall be 0.03 mm per
150 mm length and 0.15 mm for the entire
surface. That for the joint faces, for the
bottom surface of the mould and for the top
surface of the base plate shall be 0.06 mm
per 150 mm length and 0.25 mm for the
entire surface.

A23.2

Tolerances

The use of a mould manufactured to the

following tolerances will, if it is correctly
assembled and handled with reasonable care,
enable consistent production of cylinders
complying with the dimensional tolerances
specified in Section 9 of the Standard.

(c) Squareness. The squareness tolerance of

each internal side face with respect to the
bottom surface of the mould as datum face
shall be 0.5 mm.

(a) Dimensions. The internal diameter of the

mould, based on the average of three pairs of
43

CS1 : 1990
A24 Curing tank

measurements at right angles to each other

symmetrically placed along the axis of the mould,
shall be 150 0.15 mm. The length, based on
the average of four symmetrically placed
measurements, shall be 300 0.5 mm.

The curing tank shall be constructed from

corrosion-resistant material of adequate
strength. The internal dimensions of the tank
shall be appropriate for the number and size of
the specimens to be accommodated, shall
permit adequate circulation of water and shall
enable specimens to be easily removed. The
tank shall contain clean water which shall be
replaced at least once a month. The tank shall
be fitted with a device to circulate the water so
that at any point in the tank where specimens
are stored the temperature shall be 27 3C.

(b) Flatness. The flatness tolerance for the top

surface of the base plate shall be 0.03 mm.
That for the top and bottom surfaces of the
cylindrical former shall be 0.06 mm and that
for the joint faces shall be 0.06 mm per
150 mm length and 0.15 mm for the entire
surface.
(c) Squareness. The squareness tolerance for
the axis of the mould with respect to the
bottom surface of the mould as datum face
shall be a cylinder of diameter 1.0 mm
perpendicular to the datum face.

NOTE. In order to achieve this temperature

control it may be necessary to provide the tank
with a lid and/or insulation and/or a water
cooling system in addition to the water heating
system.

(d) Parallelism. The parallelism tolerance for

the top surface of the mould with respect to
the bottom surface of the mould as datum
face shall be 1 mm.

A25 Mist room

Temperature and humidity controls shall be
installed in the mist room such that the
temperature is maintained at 27 3C and the
atmosphere shall have a relative humidity of
not less than 95%.
All surfaces of the
specimens in storage shall both look moist and
feel moist at all times.

(e) Cylindricity.
The cylindricity tolerance
for the inner cylindrical surface shall be 0.5
mm.
(f) Surface texture. The surface texture of the
top surface of the base plate shall not exceed
3.2 m Ra , when determined in accordance
with BS1134.

44

CS1 : 1990

APPENDIX B
CALIBRATION TESTS

45

CS1 : 1990

CONTENTS

Clause
B1
B2

Reference

Page

Calibration of the container for the determination of density

of compacted fresh concrete

Cl. 5.2

47

Calibration tests for the determination of air content of fresh

concrete

Cl. 6.4

47

46

CS1 : 1990
APPENDIX B - CALIBRATION TESTS

weighed transparent plate. Air bubbles shall not

be allowed to be trapped under the plate and
surplus water shall be wiped away before
weighing the assembly.
By repeating this
procedure, a total of three weighings of the
covered cylinder filled with water shall be
obtained.
The average mass of water m 1
contained in the full cylinder shall be calculated
and recorded to the nearest 0.5 g.

B1 Calibration of the container for the

determination of the density of compacted
fresh concrete
The empty container shall be weighed and placed
on a horizontal surface and filled with water at a
temperature of 25 5C so that no meniscus is
above the rim. If necessary, a sufficient known
volume of water may be removed with a pipette,
to allow the container to be lifted and placed on
the platform of the weighing equipment without
loss of water. The mass of the water required
to fill the container shall be determined. The
volumetric capacity of the container shall be
calculated to the nearest 0.01 kg by dividing the
mass of water required to fill the container by
1000kg/m 3. The volumetric capacity shall be
expressed to the nearest 0.00001 m3.

B2.2 Capacity of the container

Using Type 2 weighing equipment, the capacity
of the container shall be obtained by determining
the mass of water required to fill it. For this
purpose, a thin film of grease shall be smeared on
the flange of the container, and after weighing it
empty, it shall be filled with water at ambient
temperature (20C to 30C) and a water-tight
joint made by sliding the weighed transparent
plate over the top of the container. Air bubbles
shall not be allowed to be trapped under the plate
and surplus water shall be wiped away before
weighing the assembly.
By repeating this
procedure, a total of three weighings of the
covered cylinder filled with water shall be
obtained.
The average mass of water m 2
contained in the full cylinder shall be calculated
and recorded to the nearest 5 g.

The calibration method described shall be made

as frequently as necessary to check the volume
of the container.

B2 Calibration tests for the determination of

the air content of fresh concrete
The calibration tests described in Cl. B2.1 to
B2.4 shall be made at the time of the initial
calibration of the apparatus and at any time when
it is necessary to check whether the capacity of
the calibration cylinder or container may have
changed. The calibration test described in Cl.
B2.5 and B2.6 shall be made as frequently as
necessary to check the pressure gauge so as to
ensure that the proper gauge pressure P is being
used. Recalibration of the apparatus will also
be required when the location at which it is to be
used varies in elevation by more than 200m from
that at which it was last calibrated.

B2.1

B2.3 Pressure expansion constant, e

The pressure expansion constant shall be
determined by filling the apparatus with water,
making sure that all entrapped air has been
removed and the water level is exactly on the
zero mark, and applying an air pressure equal to
the operating pressure determined by the routine
calibration test (see Cl. B2.5).

Capacity of the calibration cylinder

The reading of the water column (in percent air

content) will be the pressure expansion constant
e for the apparatus.

Using Type 3 weighing equipment, the capacity

of the calibration cylinder shall be obtained by
determining the mass of water required to fill it.
For this purpose, the weighed cylinder shall be
filled with water at ambient temperature (20C to
30C) and carefully covered with the previously

B2.4 Calibration constant, K

47

CS1 : 1990
entrapped air adhering to the interior surfaces of
the apparatus and the pressure shall be gradually
reduced by opening the vent. The water shall
be brought exactly to the zero mark by bleeding
water through the small valve in the conical
cover and the air vent shall then be closed.
Pressure shall be applied by means of the pump
until the reading of the water level equals the
calibration constant K. The pressure P indicated
on the pressure gauge shall be recorded. The
vent shall be opened and the pressure gradually
released until zero reading is indicated. If the
water level returns to a reading less than 0.05%
air content, the pressure P shall be taken as the
operating pressure. If the water pressure fails to
return to a reading below 0.05% air content, the
apparatus shall be checked for leakage and the
procedure repeated.

The calibration constant is the reading needed on

the air content scale during the routine calibration
procedure to obtain the gauge pressure required to
make the graduations on the air content scale
correspond directly to the percentage of air
introduced into the container by the calibration
cylinder when the container is full of water.
The constant K is generally calculated as follows
(see Note):
K = 0.98 R + e

(B-1)

where
e is the pressure expansion constant
R is the capacity of the calibration cylinder
expressed relative to the capacity of the
container and is calculated as follows:
m1
R

. 100%

B2.6 Alternative operating pressure

(see Cl. B2.1 and B2.2)

m2
The range of air contents which can be measured
with a particular apparatus can be extended by
determining an appropriate alternative operating
pressure, e.g. if the range is to be doubled, the
alternative operating pressure P 1 is that for which
the apparatus indicates half of the calibration
reading K (see Cl. B2.4).

NOTE. The factor 0.98 is used to correct for

the reduction in the volume of air in the
calibration vessel when it is compressed by a
depth of water equal to the depth of the
container. This factor is approximately 0.98
for a 200 mm deep container at sea level. Its
value decreases to approximately 0.975 at 1500
m above sea level and 0.97 at 4000 m above sea
level. The value of the constant will decrease
by about 0.01 for each 100 mm increase in bowl
depth. Hence the term 0.98R represents the
effective volume of the calibration vessel
expressed as a percentage of the container under
normal operating conditions.

Exact calibration will require the determination

of the pressure expansion constant e (see Cl.
B2.3) for the reduced operating pressure. For
most purposes the change in pressure expansion
constant can be disregarded and the alternative
operating pressure can be determined during the
determination of the normal operating pressure.

B2.5 Required operating pressure

B2.7 Aggregate correction factor

The calibration cylinder support shall be placed

centrally on the bottom of the clean container.
The cylinder shall then be placed on the support
with its open end downward. The coil spring
shall be placed on the cylinder and the cover
assembly carefully clamped in place.

The aggregate correction factor will vary with

different aggregates and although it will remain
reasonably constant for a particular aggregate an
occasional check should be carried out. The
aggregate correction factor can be determined
only by test as it is not directly related to the
water absorption of the particles.

The apparatus shall be filled with water at

ambient temperature to a level above the zero
mark on the air content scale. The air vent shall
be closed and the air pumped into the apparatus
approximately to the operating pressure. The
sides and cover shall be lightly tapped with the
mallet to remove as much as possible of the

B2.7.1 Aggregate sample size

The
48

aggregate

correction

factor

shall

be

CS1 : 1990
determined by applying the operating pressure
on a combined sample of the coarse and fine
aggregates in the approximate proportions and
moisture conditions that exist in the concrete
sample. The sample of aggregates shall be
obtained either by washing the cement from the
concrete sample tested for air content through a
150m sieve, or by using a combined fine and
coarse aggregate similar to that used in the
concrete. In the latter case, the masses of fine
and coarse aggregates to be used shall be
calculated as follows:
mf = VoDpf

(B-2)

mc = VoDpc

(B-3)

in small quantities. This shall be done in such a

manner as to entrap as little air as possible and if
necessary additional water shall be added to
inundate all of the aggregate. After the addition
of each quantity of aggregate, any foam formed
shall be promptly removed. Any entrapped air
shall be released by stirring the aggregate with the
tamping rod and tapping the container with the
mallet.

B2.7.3 Determination of aggregate correction

factor

where

When all the aggregate has been placed in the

container, the flanges of the container shall be
wiped clean and the cover clamped in position.
The apparatus shall be filled with water and
lightly tapped with the mallet to remove air
adhering to the interior surfaces of the cover.

pf and pc are the proportions of fine and coarse

aggregates respectively, expressed as
fractions by mass of the total concrete
mix (aggregates, cement and water)
Vo

is the capacity of the container(in m3)

is the density of the concrete to be

tested in (kg/m 3), determined in
accordance with this Standard or
calculated
from
the
known
proportions and densities of the
materials and the nominal air content

The water level in the standpipe shall be brought

to zero by bleeding through the small valve with
the air vent open. The operating pressure P
shall be applied after closing the air vent.
The reading of the gauge tube h1 shall be
recorded, the pressure shall then be released and
a further reading h2 shall be taken. The entire
procedure shall be repeated and a second pair of
readings obtained. The average value of h1-h2
shall be taken as the aggregate correction factor
G. Should the two values of h1-h2 differ by
more than 0.1% air content, further
determinations shall be made until consistent
results are obtained.

B2.7.2 Filling the container

The container shall be partially filled with water
and the combined sample of aggregate introduced

49